Restoring Your Peace.
Restoring Your Peace.
At Firstcall Restoration, we are dedicated to restoring homes and providing peace of mind.
FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS
Because restoration is about people, not just property.
FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS
Because restoration is about people, not just property.
Hi, I'm Jeff Ellis, one of the owners of Firstcall Restoration. On behalf of my business partners, Doug Hirsch and Greg Kornstad, along with the rest of our team, we want to thank you for taking the time to visit our website. If you've recently experienced damage to your home or business, we're truly sorry, and we hope everyone is safe. As you're trying to determine who you'd like to work with for your recovery needs. We would love an opportunity to sit down with you and just discuss how we might be able to help you through this very difficult time. Our priority is to ensure that your experience with Firstcall is a positive one. From the initial stages of working with your insurance carrier to the final stage of the construction process, we want to make sure that our communication is clear, consistent, and concise all the way through. We want you to know that your project is in trusted hands with Firstcall Restoration. Since 1989, our mission has remained simple to meet people in their time of need so they can focus on what really matters. To us, that means doing our job with excellence so that you can focus on your life, your family, your work, the things that are a priority to you, knowing that your home or business are in good hands with Firstcall. Again, I want to thank you very much for visiting our website. Our team is here to serve you if you need help.
Hi, I'm Jeff Ellis, one of the owners of Firstcall Restoration. On behalf of my business partners, Doug Hirsch and Greg Kornstad, along with the rest of our team, we want to thank you for taking the time to visit our website. If you've recently experienced damage to your home or business, we're truly sorry, and we hope everyone is safe. As you're trying to determine who you'd like to work with for your recovery needs. We would love an opportunity to sit down with you and just discuss how we might be able to help you through this very difficult time. Our priority is to ensure that your experience with Firstcall is a positive one. From the initial stages of working with your insurance carrier to the final stage of the construction process, we want to make sure that our communication is clear, consistent, and concise all the way through. We want you to know that your project is in trusted hands with Firstcall Restoration. Since 1989, our mission has remained simple to meet people in their time of need so they can focus on what really matters. To us, that means doing our job with excellence so that you can focus on your life, your family, your work, the things that are a priority to you, knowing that your home or business are in good hands with Firstcall. Again, I want to thank you very much for visiting our website. Our team is here to serve you if you need help.
Our Roots >
Growth Story >
Community >
Looking Ahead >
Our Roots
Founded in 1989, we began as a small, dedicated team focused on restoration services.
Community Focus
We prioritize our clients, providing personalized care and working closely with insurance companies.
Growth Story
Over the years, we expanded our services and staff to meet growing community needs.
Looking Ahead
Our commitment to quality and community continues to drive us forward into the future.
OUR JOURNEY
A commitment to "Do the right thing."
Our Roots >
Growth Story >
Community >
Looking Ahead >
Our Roots
Founded in 1989, we began as a small, dedicated team focused on restoration services.
Growth Story
Over the years, we expanded our services and staff to meet growing community needs.
Community Focus
We prioritize our clients, providing personalized care and working closely with insurance companies.
Looking Ahead
Our commitment to quality and community continues to drive us forward into the future.
OUR JOURNEY
A commitment to "Do the right thing."
OUR COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE & CARE
At Firstcall Restoration, we believe in putting our clients first. Our dedication to quality service ensures that every restoration project is handled with the utmost care and professionalism.
Compassionate Support Through Every Step
We understand the emotional toll of restoration, and we are here to support you.
Building Trust Through Transparency & Communication
We prioritize clear communication to foster trust.
OUR TEAM
Meet the professionals behind Firstcall Restoration
Our experienced restoration team is made up of skilled project managers, estimators, technicians, and administrative staff who specialize in water damage restoration, fire and smoke cleanup, mold remediation, and storm damage repair across Central Iowa.
With decades of combined experience, our team works closely with homeowners and insurance providers to restore homes safely, efficiently, and with as little disruption as possible. From the first call to the final walkthrough, we’re committed to clear communication, quality workmanship, and treating every home like it’s our own.
Our experienced restoration team is made up of skilled project managers, estimators, technicians, and administrative staff who specialize in water damage restoration, fire and smoke cleanup, mold remediation, and storm damage repair across Central, Eastern, and Northern Iowa.
With decades of combined experience, our team works closely with homeowners and insurance providers to restore homes safely, efficiently, and with as little disruption as possible. From the first call to the final walkthrough, we’re committed to clear communication, quality workmanship, and treating every home like it’s our own.
Jeff, originally from Burlington, Ontario, Canada, has over 35 years of experience in the construction and restoration industry. He enjoys fishing, woodworking, and watching hockey. Jeff’s favorite part of working at Firstcall is being surrounded by talented, fun people every day. One of his most memorable moments was when a past customer came into the office and handed out gift cards to employees—an incredibly rewarding experience.
JEFF ELLIS
Owner
Grimes | Serves all of Firstcall
Greg, from Superior, Wisconsin, has over 25 years of experience in restoration. He enjoys gardening, spending time with family, and collecting antique beer cans. Greg finds fulfillment in helping customers through unexpected home damage. A favorite memory is singing 80's hits at his desk late at night—usually without getting caught.
GREG KORNSTAD
Owner
Grimes | Serves all of Firstcall
Doug, born in Dubuque, Iowa, has worked in construction since 2006 and joined Firstcall in 2013. He enjoys being near water, traveling with family, and participating in his kids’ activities. Doug loves seeing the pride in coworkers after a job well done. A standout memory is teaching youth at Build My Future.
DOUG HIRSCH
Owner
Grimes | Serves all of Firstcall
Jessica, born and raised in Des Moines, joined the restoration field in August 2020. She enjoys crafting, spending time outdoors, and traveling with her family. She loves the fun atmosphere at Firstcall and cherishes the company’s tradition of helping a new family every Christmas.
JESSICA
General Manager/Controller
Grimes | Serves all of Firstcall
Jordan is from Cherokee, Iowa. She’s been in the restoration field for about a year and a half. Jordan enjoys being outdoors, spending time with family, and reading. She loves working alongside her husband and appreciates Firstcall’s family-first mindset. Her favorite memories include team outings.
JORDAN
TPA Manager
Cedar Rapids | Serves all of Firstcall
Originally from Perry, Iowa, McKenzie later moved to Waukee and now lives in Grimes. Though new to the construction and restoration field, she grew up helping her dad, a subcontractor for Firstcall. She enjoys crafting, line dancing, and two-step dancing. Her favorite part of working at Firstcall is the people and the welcoming environment. A fun connection for her has been reuniting with Jessica, a former cheer teammate from 2009/2010, and reminiscing about those memories.
MCKENZIE
Accounts Payable Manager
Grimes | Serves all of Firstcall
Caleb, from Urbandale, has 13 years of experience in the field. He enjoys watching football, attending Iowa State games, playing video games, and spending time with his fiancée and friends. Caleb values the family-like culture at Firstcall and fondly remembers paintballing with the team.
CALEB
Accounts Receivable Manager
Grimes | Serves all of Firstcall
David was born in Iowa City and raised in Tiffin and Des Moines. With 20 years of experience, he enjoys date nights with his wife, time at the lake, and sim racing. David values the unique opportunity to bring hope to customers facing unexpected damage. A favorite memory is launching the Eastern Iowa branch.
DAVE HIXSON
Location Manager
Cedar Rapids
Mike was born in Des Moines and raised in Urbandale. He has over 20 years of construction experience and graduated from the DMACC Building Trades program in 2001. He enjoys fishing, biking, BBQ, and spending time with family. Mike appreciates the friendships at Firstcall and loves connecting with coworkers during company outings.
MIKE BALDWIN
Location Manager
Ames
Craig was born and raised in Des Moines and brings nearly three decades of experience to the restoration field. He enjoys woodworking, tinkering with engines, and spending time with family. Craig loves helping customers through tough situations and finds joy in seeing their relief. His favorite Firstcall memory? Watching Matt Barker chase a goose in the parking lot.
CRAIG
Mitigation Manager
Grimes
Join a team that shows up when it matters most. At Firstcall Restoration, our team takes pride in doing the job right—serving homeowners with care, integrity, and craftsmanship during some of their toughest days.
YOU COULD BE HERE
Multiple Positions
Three Locations
Behind every successful restoration is a team that communicates clearly, supports our customers, and keeps projects moving smoothly. If you value people, processes, and purpose - this could be your place.
YOUR FUTURE HERE
Entry Level to Specialized
Central Iowa | Cedar Rapids | Ames
Our Owners
Jeff, originally from Burlington, Ontario, Canada, has over 35 years of experience in the construction and restoration industry. He enjoys fishing, woodworking, and watching hockey. Jeff’s favorite part of working at Firstcall is being surrounded by talented, fun people every day. One of his most memorable moments was when a past customer came into the office and handed out gift cards to employees—an incredibly rewarding experience.
JEFF ELLIS
Owner
Grimes | Serves all of Firstcall
Greg, from Superior, Wisconsin, has over 25 years of experience in restoration. He enjoys gardening, spending time with family, and collecting antique beer cans. Greg finds fulfillment in helping customers through unexpected home damage. A favorite memory is singing 80s hits at his desk late at night—usually without getting caught.
GREG KORNSTAD
Owner
Grimes | Serves all of Firstcall
Doug, born in Dubuque, Iowa, has worked in construction since 2006 and joined Firstcall in 2013. He enjoys being near water, traveling with family, and participating in his kids’ activities. Doug loves seeing the pride in coworkers after a job well done. A standout memory is teaching youth at Build My Future.
DOUG HIRSCH
Owner
Grimes | Serves all of Firstcall
Jessica, born and raised in Des Moines, joined the restoration field in August 2020. She enjoys crafting, spending time outdoors, and traveling with her family. She loves the fun atmosphere at Firstcall and cherishes the company’s tradition of helping a new family every Christmas.
JESSICA
General Manager/Controller
Grimes | Serves all of Firstcall
Jordan is from Cherokee, Iowa. She’s been in the restoration field for about a year and a half. Jordan enjoys being outdoors, spending time with family, and reading. She loves working alongside her husband and appreciates Firstcall’s family-first mindset. Her favorite memories include team outings.
JORDAN
TPA Manager
Cedar Rapids | Serves all of Firstcall
Oringinally from Perry, Iowa, McKenzie later moved to Waukee and now lives in Grimes. Though new to the construction and restoration field, she grew up helping her dad, a subcontractor for FirstCall. She enjoys crafting, line dancing, and two-step dancing. Her favorite part of working at Firstcall is the people and the welcoming environment. A fun connection for her has been reuniting with Jessica, a former cheer teammate from 2009/2010, and reminiscing about those memories.
MCKENZIE
Accounts Payable Manager
Grimes | Serves all of Firstcall
Caleb, from Urbandale, has 13 years of experience in the field. He enjoys watching football, attending Iowa State games, playing video games, and spending time with his fiancée and friends. Caleb values the family-like culture at Firstcall and fondly remembers paintballing with the team.
CALEB
Accounts Receivable Manager
Grimes | Serves all of Firstcall
Originally born in Austin, Texas and raised in Des Moines, Matthew brings five years of experience in the construction and restoration field. Outside of work, he enjoys playing guitar and diving into great literature. His favorite part of working at Firstcall is the people, and one of his proudest memories is helping develop A/R processes that contributed to the company’s growth.
MATTHEW
Accounts Receivable
Remote | Serves all of Firstcall
David was born in Iowa City and raised in Tiffin and Des Moines. With 20 years of experience, he enjoys date nights with his wife, time at the lake, and sim racing. David values the unique opportunity to bring hope to customers facing unexpected damage. A favorite memory is launching the Eastern Iowa branch.
DAVE HICKSON
Location Manager
Cedar Rapids
Mike was born in Des Moines and raised in Urbandale. He has over 20 years of construction experience and graduated from the DMACC Building Trades program in 2001. He enjoys fishing, biking, BBQ, and spending time with family. Mike appreciates the friendships at Firstcall and loves connecting with coworkers during company outings.
MIKE BALDWIN
Location Manager
Ames
Blake grew up in Waukee and has seven years of experience in restoration. He enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time with family. Blake values the people and environment at Firstcall, especially the fun company outings.
BLAKE
Estimator
Grimes
Bradley was born in New Mexico and raised mostly in Iowa. He is fairly new to Firstcall and enjoys exercising and playing guitar. He loves the ever-changing nature of the job and recalls a great time at a baseball outing with both Des Moines and Cedar Rapids teams.
BRADLEY
Estimator
Cedar Rapids
Born and raised in Winterset, Iowa, Brock brings 2.5 years of experience in the construction and restoration field. He enjoys hunting and watching sports in his free time. His favorite part of working at Firstcall is the people, and one of his best memories so far has been sharing lunches with his coworkers.
BROCK
Estimator
Grimes
Robert, from Bettendorf, Iowa, has 27 years of experience in the field. He enjoys watching baseball and football. Robert appreciates working with kind people and finds great satisfaction when customers praise Firstcall’s work and recommend them to others.
ROBERT
Estimator
Grimes
Brandon was born in Sioux City and moved to Des Moines at age 15. He’s been in construction since 2006 and enjoys fishing with family, hunting, and woodworking. Brandon appreciates Firstcall’s family-oriented culture and remembers feeling instantly welcomed on his first day—a moment that made him feel truly at home.
BRANDON
Project Manager
Grimes
Chris, from Denver, Iowa (The Mile Wide City), has 20 years of experience in restoration. He enjoys softball, movies, sports of all kinds, and spending time with family. Chris loves the variety of work at Firstcall and proudly remembers the year they won the BBB Integrity Award.
CHRIS
Project Manager
Grimes
Jenny, from Illinois, has around 30 years of experience in restoration. She enjoys spending time with her Firstcall family and has a playful spirit. Her favorite memory is rubbing a live garter snake on a coworker’s arm—his scream and leap off the porch are legendary.
JENNY
Project Manager
Ames
Luke grew up in Ankeny, Iowa, and has 5–6 years of experience in the construction industry, including 1–2 years in residential construction. He enjoys golfing, fishing, and spending time with his kids and family. As a newer member of Firstcall, he’s still discovering his favorite aspects of the company and looks forward to making lasting memories.
LUKE
Project Manager
Grimes
Matt, from Marshalltown, Iowa, has 27 years of experience in the construction and restoration field. He enjoys fishing, cooking, and playing card games. Matt values the family atmosphere at Firstcall and takes pride in helping others restore their homes. One of his favorite memories is when Kevin W. accidentally broke a water line and soaked himself.
MATT
Project Manager
Grimes
Mike, also known as Jr, is from Anamosa and has worked in construction since age 16. He enjoys hunting, fishing, and cheering on the Hawkeyes. Mike appreciates the variety of work at Firstcall and enjoys company events that bring the team together.
MIKE
Project Manager
Cedar Rapids
Hailing from Anamosa, Iowa, Tom brings over 25 years of experience in concrete construction and more than 3 years in restoration. He enjoys spending time with his family and finds fulfillment in helping homeowners while collaborating with subcontractors. One of his proudest moments at Firstcall was helping his first large-loss customers return to their home as quickly as possible.
TOM
Project Manager
Cedar Rapids
Born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Todd brings 25 years of experience in the construction and restoration industry. When he’s not at home with his dogs, you’ll likely find him heading to a heavy metal concert. He appreciates the supportive crew in Cedar Rapids and looks forward to creating many great memories with the team.
TODD
Project Manager
Cedar Rapids
Craig was born and raised in Des Moines and brings nearly three decades of experience to the restoration field. He enjoys woodworking, tinkering with engines, and spending time with family. Craig loves helping customers through tough situations and finds joy in seeing their relief. His favorite Firstcall memory? Watching Matt Barker chase a goose in the parking lot.
CRAIG
Mitigation Manager
Grimes
Logan grew up in Adel, IA and has worked in restoration for six years. He enjoys camping, fishing, and video games. Logan appreciates meeting new people through his work and recalls a hilarious Firstcall moment when Matt B missed the target at an ICubs ball toss.
LOGAN
Mitigation Supervisor
Grimes
Kevin hails from Urbandale, Iowa and has been in the construction industry since 1992, spending the last 23 years with Firstcall. He’s passionate about making people happy with their projects and finds joy in the camaraderie of the team—especially memorable moments like playing paintball with Joel Conrad and others.
KEVIN
Lead Technician
Grimes
Known as “Jingles,” Ryan was born in Omaha and raised all over. With 45 years in construction and 9 at Firstcall, he enjoys guns, music, and his faith. He finds fulfillment in helping homeowners return to their homes and fondly remembers coworkers reacting to a surprise snake encounter.
RYAN
Lead Technician
Grimes
Derek lives in Urbandale and enjoys outdoor activities with his kids. With two years in restoration, he values the friendships he’s built at Firstcall. A standout memory? Nearly stepping on a rat after demoing a wall—definitely a surprise!
DEREK
Technician
Grimes
Born in Phoenix, Arizona and raised in Des Moines, Jacob brings around five years of experience in the construction and restoration field. He enjoys working out, boxing, and coaching football. What he values most about Firstcall is being part of a team that constantly strives for excellence while supporting families during stressful times. One of his favorite memories so far has been getting to know his teammates and meeting customers’ pets along the way.
JACOB
Technician
Grimes
Kevin, a Des Moines native, has over 20 years of experience in the field. He’s passionate about working on go-karts and values the family-like atmosphere at Firstcall. One of his proudest moments was passing the water training course.
KEVIN
Technician
Grimes
Born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, Logan has been with Firstcall for about 4.5 months. He enjoys fishing and spending time with his wife. What he values most about his role is that each day is different and keeps him busy. Logan appreciates the personable team at Firstcall, describing the workplace as feeling like one big family.
LOGAN
Technician
Grimes
Matthew, from Des Moines, has five years of experience and enjoys board games and camping. He loves learning something new every day at Firstcall and proudly remembers scoring higher than Kellan on the water training course.
MATTHEW
Technician
Grimes
Zach was born in Pennsylvania and raised in Bayard, IA. He’s been in construction for 10 years and plays music in his band, Parabola. Zach loves the positive work environment and friendships at Firstcall. His favorite memory is playing pickleball at a company outing.
ZACH
Technician
Grimes
DISCOVER WHAT MAKES US UNIQUE
Firstcall Restoration is a locally owned business that understands the needs of our community - offering a level of care and attention that large, nationwide companies simply can't provide. When you choose us, you're not just another number in a corporate system - you're a valued member of our community.
ACCREDITATIONS
Trusted by Central Iowa's Top Insurance Providers
HERE TO HELP RESTORE WHAT MATTERS MOST
Meeting people in their time of need...so that they can focus on what really matters
HEAR FROM OUR SATISFIED CLIENTS ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCES
We had a fantastic experience with Firstcall Restoration! They completed our roof replacement and we couldn’t be happier with the results. Kellen and Brandon were professional, efficient, and kept the worksite clean throughout the project. Everything was completed on time and exactly as promised. Highly recommend them to anyone needing quality roofing work!
Chris & Sara T.
I can't say enough good things about FirstCall Restoration. Communication was exceptional. I was informed of cost, process, and expected timeline of completion upfront. David, Tom Campbell, and the entire crew did a great job. I felt at ease as Tom kept in contact with me the entire project time from start to finish making sure everything was going as planned and asking if I had any concerns/questions. All involved did an AMAZING job, which unfortunately is not always the case. They truly are the company to contact for top of the line restoration service. Thanks guys!!!!!
Jane H.
Mike sent someone over right away to help us out with mold in our son’s closet. They have been straightforward with us and explained very thoroughly what they were going to do. Very impressed by the professionalism and integrity they have shown.
Krista
OUR COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY AND GROWTH
Restoring more than homes - supporting the people and places we serve across Central Iowa
1st Priority
Central Iowa comes first in everything we do. Restoring homes means caring for the people behind them. Giving back is part of our foundation.
75% Impact
Seventy-five percent of our projects support local causes. Our work strengthens communities beyond the job site. Impact matters as much as results.
100% Engagement
Every team member serves in the community. We show up when it matters most. Because this is our home.
Community Leadership & Service
01
Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Board of Directors, including 2026 Board President, helping uphold trust, ethics, and accountability for local businesses.
02
Home Builders Associaton
Former Board President and Founding Board Member of HBA Cares, supporting industry excellence and community-focused housing initiatives.
03
Leading with Power
Active Board of Directors member, supporting leadership development and positive community impact.
04
Knights of Columbus
Ongoing involvement in service-oriented charitable and community initiatives.
05
Youth Sports Sponsorships
Proud sponsor of multiple local youth sports teams, investing in teamwork, discipline, and the next generation.
06
10-42 Project
Active donor, supporting first responders and their families.
07
Varity - The Children's Charity
Ongoing donor supporting children with special needs and their families across Iowa.
Giving back isn't something we do ocassionally - it's built into how we lead, how we serve, and how we show up for our neighbors every day.
LET'S TALK
Restoration is about more than repairs, it’s about trust, communication, and knowing you’re in good hands. If you have questions, want to learn more about our team, or are considering working with FirstCall Restoration, we’d love to connect and walk you through what to expect.
LET'S TALK
Restoration is about more than repairs—it’s about trust, communication, and knowing you’re in good hands. If you have questions, want to learn more about our team, or are considering working with FirstCall Restoration, we’d love to connect and walk you through what to expect.